The best U16 football players from across the province were in Red Deer during the long weekend.
Football Alberta hosted its annual Team Alberta U16 Regional Bowl at Setters Place in Great Chief Park on Monday, May 19. The event featured two games between four teams comprised of football players from all over the province, including a number of Central Albertans.
"These are the top 14- and 15-year-old football players in the province. This is the best of the best," said Taylor Stiles, Football Alberta technical director.
"We have players coming from as far north as Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Peace River and Valleyview, and all the way south to Taber, Raymond and Medicine Hat. Players from Edmonton and Calgary, as well as the metro areas around those cities, make up a large part of rosters, but we have regional representation from all over."
Stiles said Red Deer is "the absolute best location" for this event.
"We love coming here and we're going to continue coming here for years," said Stiles.
"Red Deer has an amazing facility. The turf itself and the infrastructure around it is perfect for us. With a lot of our players coming from Edmonton and Calgary, this is a way they can meet in the middle."
Team South Dinos featured Innisfail Cyclones running back Corey Cameron, Hunting Hills Lightning running back Jax Lee, Lindsay Thurber Raiders receiver Tyrike Finn and Hunting Hills Lightning receiver Malachi Herbert.
The North Golden Bears had Hunting Hills Lightning defensive back Killian French, Notre Dame Junior Cougars defensive lineman Zephaniah Richard, Sylvan Lake Lions offensive lineman Chase Belcher and Ponoka Broncs linebacker Tyler Hawkings.
There were no Central Alberta players on the North Elks or South Stampeders.
"We have 160 players here — 80 from the north and 80 from the south. They're competing against each other, as well as competing for a spot on Team Alberta as we finalize our roster down to 40 players in the next month," said Stiles.
"We have about 450 kids try out and we're down to the 160 who are here today."
The 40 players selected in the next month will play for Team Alberta at the U16 Western Canadian Championships in Winnipeg, Man., this July.
"Last year, we won the silver medal. This year, we're looking for gold," said Stiles.
For more information on Football Alberta, visit footballalberta.ab.ca.
